Ulster Bank League: Division 1A Previews

What a difference a year makes. This time last year Old Belvedere were chasing the league title which they eventually won. Now they face a probable relegation decider against fellow 'old boys' Blackrock College.

Preview: A relegation battle that neither side can afford to lose. More so the defending champions Old Belvedere because they currently prop up the table, four points adrift of hosts Blackrock College.

Almost certainly, Old Belvedere will see this as their best chance to record that long overdue win. When the sides met at Anglesea Road in October, Blackrock just got the better of their rivals 26-23.

It is sure to be close again, particularly with so much at stake. Blackrock will be looking to their out-half Darragh Fitzpatrick and home advantage to give them an edge.

If Belvedere are to succeed, they must get a better forwards platform than last weekend when they were absolutely demolished by St. Mary's in the scrums. Then again, Blackrock's pack is not anything like as strong as St. Mary's one.

Preview: Second-placed Clontarf will be attempting to put the record straight after their shock 9-3 away defeat to Dolphin last month.

That was one of three successive away defeats which threatened Clontarf's title challenge. But they have subsequently bounced back with two victories, including an away success over Shannon last Saturday.

So they appear to have put that bad run behind them. No one, it seems, is playing better than former Dolphin man Barry O'Mahony who scored two tries against Shannon.

'Tarf captain O'Mahony and another ex-Dolphin player Sam Cronin will, however, know that absolutely nothing can be taken for granted against their former team-mates. Clontarf's first priority must be to match their Cork rivals up front.

Preview: Despite their defeat to Cork Constitution, Lansdowne are still there or thereabouts in the title race, in fourth spot, six points adrift of leaders St. Mary's.

They put up a decent show in Cork before going down 19-13 and will unquestionably go into the Shannon encounter as favourites. They have, after all, proved hugely impressive recently on the back pitch at the Aviva Stadium, scoring nine tries in demolishing Blackrock.

Shannon, on the other hand, are in a rut. They currently lie third last, just two points ahead off the second-from-bottom outfit Blackrock.

So, they will need to show a huge improvement if they are to get a much-needed win. But Lansdowne, on their home track, will hardly be in the mood to do them any favours.

Preview: No one would surely bet against the league leaders St. Mary's making it eight wins in-a-row. They are unquestionably the most impressive outfit around at the moment.

They are hoping to have their influential full-back Gavin Dunne back after missing the win over Old Belvedere. That would be a major boost, although Ray Crotty did a good job with the place-kicking duties in his absence.

There are very few weaknesses in the St. Mary's side. They have a really strong pack, well-organised backs and an outstanding defence.

So, it is going to take some effort from Garryowen to beat them. That said, the Limerick team were not that far away when they lost 13-9 to their rivals in the opening game of the season at Dooradoyle.

Preview: Big match between the third and fifth-placed teams in the table. Third-placed Young Munster will be hoping to complete the double over their rivals, having travelled to Temple Hill to win 23-16.

Another defeat for Cork Constitution could spell the end of their title ambitions. So this has all the makings of a cracking encounter between two fierce rivals.

Young Munster showed in their victory over Blackrock last weekend that they are back on track. Apart from their big defeat to St. Mary's, they are generally very good at Tom Clifford Park.

One suspects, however, that they will need to be at their best against a very motivated Cork Con side. The place-kicking of Willie Staunton (Young Munster) and Gerry Hurley (Cork Con) is going to be crucial.

Ireland head coach Joe Schmidt praised the squad's 'immense character' following the 27-24 GUINNESS Series success against Australia. Meanwhile, captain Rory Best reflects on 'an emotional day' as he made his 100th appearance for his country.

Irish Rugby TV brings you a behind the scenes look at Ireland's final GUINNESS Series game against Australia. Joe Schmidt's men marked captain Rory Best's 100th cap with a superb 27-24 victory over the Wallabies.

Saturday's GUINNESS Series clash with Australia marks Michael Kearney's last game as Ireland team manager. We spoke to him about five memorable years in the role. Watch out for a couple of special cameos!

We're ready to create something legendary. A showcase for rugby nations old and new. A tournament that will grow the game globally, promote the values, spirit and ethos of rugby and will capture the world's imagination. #Ireland2023 - Liam Neeson gives voice to Ireland's bid to host Rugby World Cup 2023.

Tickets are now on sale for the first ever Women's November International Series to be held in the UCD Bowl. Kids go free with any adult tickets. Ireland will face world champions England, top ranked Canada and the Black Ferns of New Zealand.

Tournament Director Garrett Tubridy sets the scene for an exciting weekend of rugby at UCD where 16 Women's Sevens teams will battle it out at for one qualifying spot for the Rio Olympics. Tickets are available from www.ticketmaster.ie/sevens.

Tadhg Furlong reflects on a disappointing day for Ireland against South Africa. However, he will take positives from his first Test start and be ready to build for the final match of the series in Port Elizabeth.

Paddy Jackson is preparing for Ireland's second Test against South Africa on Saturday (kick-off 5pm local time/4pm Irish time). The Ulster out-half has been checking out Ellis Park in advance of the match.